Instead of developing a separate unit approach, economics can be integrated into the existing curriculum. Eight steps are listed to assist teachers in this process. The Joint Council on Economic Education has produced publications and TV video series, and there are workshops and centers for economic education available to teachers. (CS)

There are many reading abilities that students need in order to read and comprehend effectively in the content areas. Discussed are techniques that the teacher can use to make students critical and independent readers. These include the directed reading activity, SQ3R, mapping, the cloze procedure, and various vocabulary techniques. (RM)

Describes and evaluates environmental studies programs designed to emphasize positive action learning in environmental improvement through selected field experiences of an interdisciplinary nature. (Author/DB)

Specific ways in which social studies teachers can increase opportunities for students to write without increasing their own often-incredible paper loads are suggested. These include the holistic scoring of essay tests, read-around-groups, and student journals. (RM)

Suggests that social studies teachers on all levels include material on energy in their curricula. Reviews various ways in which this material can be presented (interdisciplinary approach, current events, subject area perspective, skills approach, and/or social studies skills). (DB)

Discusses the benefits of using literature in classroom instruction and describes its inclusion in California's new English-Language Arts Framework as well as in the new History-Social Science Framework. Lists several works appropriate for use in K-6 instruction. (GEA)

Recommends the use of song lyrics in secondary school U.S. history, government, and economics courses. Contends that using music meets the criterion of cultural literacy in the California History Social Science Framework. (CFR)

Recommends the use of historical fiction in secondary history instruction. Maintains that careful selection of books is the key to success in this endeavor. Provides a recommended list of books categorized by chronological periods and historical topics. (CFR)

Maintains that simulation games in social studies education are successful because they combine factual content, skills development, and experience in decision making. The five simulations described are Explorers I, River City, Boxcars, The Union Divides, and Starpower. (Author/DB)

Provides a rationale for multicultural education and describes two major approaches to teaching multicultural education. The rationale centers on helping students understand and appreciate the world as a multiracial, multicultural, multilingual, and multinational phenomenon. Approaches stress a cross cultural and an interdisciplinary approach. (DB)

Describes a teacher-developed simulation designed to teach cultural geography to students in the middle grades. Contends that this interdisciplinary activity can be adapted to fit teacher or curriculum needs. Includes student instructions and descriptions of six pilgrimages. (CFR)

The author describes a California studies course that integrates history, geography, culture, and current events. (DE)

Describes a curriculum which uses an interdisciplinary approach to help junior high school students understand some of the complex issues of life in modern, technologically-oriented societies. Presents worksheets and discussion questions from several of the 15 modules in the curriculum. (DB)

Discusses the integrated curriculum and the California Framework for History-Social Science Education as an example of the integrated curriculum. Shows how the Framework unifies the curriculum and offers a model to combine the content and processes advocated by the Framework. (LS)

Asserts that education cannot be limited to the confines of a textbook but must be a true window to the world. Argues that this can be achieved through curriculum and thematic teaching. Provides suggestions for designing and teaching integrated, thematic units. (CFR)